Our sponsor rules, in plain language.

The basics

Morning Citizen is free to read. Readers who choose to support it cover most of the cost, and a small number of local sponsors will, over time, cover the rest. Sponsored content is always labeled, kept separate from the news, and never involves sharing anything about you. These rules apply to every sponsor, no exceptions.

What we accept

Local businesses and organizations that are genuinely useful to people living in the metro an edition serves — services, venues, events, retailers, nonprofits and community groups. One sponsor per edition. Every sponsor is reviewed by the editor before anything is agreed. We don't publish a rate card; you ask, and a person answers.

How sponsored content appears

In its own block, clearly labeled as sponsored, in the sponsor's words and visually separate from the news. It's never dressed up as a story, a tip or an editor's recommendation. We follow the FTC's guidance that paid content must be clearly and conspicuously disclosed, so we use plain words — 'Sponsored' — not a symbol buried in the fine print.

What we turn down

Anything our readers would be right to be suspicious of: gambling and sports betting; payday loans and other high-cost credit; get-rich-quick, crypto and 'passive income' schemes; multi-level marketing; miracle cures and unproven supplements; political candidates, parties and advocacy groups; and anything that looks like a scam, however it's packaged. The editor's decision is final.

Editorial independence

Sponsors never see a story before it runs, never pick what we cover and never get softer treatment because they pay. If a sponsor makes the news, we cover it like anyone else. Our editorial policy has the details.

Your data

We do not sell, rent or share subscriber information with sponsors or anyone else. Sponsors see audience numbers in aggregate — subscribers and open rates — never individual readers. Our privacy policy covers the rest.

Affiliate links

Morning Citizen doesn't currently use affiliate links. If that changes, our editorial policy will say where they appear and how they're disclosed.

How to inquire

Email the editor at nathan@morningcitizen.com with your business, the metro you want to reach and roughly when. A person will reply, usually within one business day.